Supporters of a charity which helps people with sight problems are being urged to get on their bikes and raise vital funds.

York Blind And Partially Sighted Society is staging a sportathon with Energise from June 25 to 29, and is hoping to recruit more fundraisers for the challenge.

Ian Wood, 34, of Gale Lane, Acomb, who is visually impaired and a wheelchair user, is a trustee of the charity, helping out with the events team.

“This is the third year we have done it,” he said.

“We are trying to recruit people to either swim or cycle to start their own target and get sponsorship. Over the last 12 years we have raised just over £1,000 each year. This year I am going out on my “piggy back bike” – it is like a tandem. The bit I sit on has stabiliers and attaches to a normal push bike. We hope to ride from York to Scarborough and back over two days.”

“Money raised will go towards the running of the society which relies on donations.”

To get involved, email 2012sportsathon@gmail.com.